flaky mineral crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! You're looking for solutions to the intriguing clue "flaky mineral crossword clue." Below, you'll find the most common and accurate answers, complete with explanations to help you understand why they fit and expand your crossword vocabulary.
Solutions for "flaky mineral crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MICA: A common rock-forming mineral, known for its distinct perfect basal cleavage, allowing it to split into thin, flexible flakes or sheets.
More About "flaky mineral crossword clue"
The clue "flaky mineral" almost universally points to MICA in the world of crosswords. Mica is a fascinating group of sheet silicate minerals, abundant in various igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Its characteristic ability to be split into extremely thin, flexible, and transparent layers makes it unique among minerals, often used in electrical insulation and even as a shimmering pigment in cosmetics and paints.
Understanding such descriptive clues is key to mastering crosswords. When a clue highlights a specific physical property like 'flaky,' 'hard,' or 'shiny,' your mind should immediately go to minerals or elements known for that trait. For 'flaky mineral,' mica perfectly embodies the description, making it a favorite of puzzle constructors for its concise fit and distinct properties.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze descriptive words: Clues like "flaky mineral" rely on adjectives. Think about objects or substances that strongly exhibit that quality. For "flaky," immediately consider things that easily break into thin layers.
- Consider common crossword answers: Many common minerals, elements, and natural phenomena appear frequently in crosswords. Memorizing a list of these, along with their key properties, can give you a significant edge. Mica is definitely on that list!
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the required letter count. If "MICA" (4 letters) doesn't fit the number of squares, then you know to look for an alternative or re-evaluate the clue context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flaky mineral?
A flaky mineral is one that exhibits a perfect basal cleavage, meaning it can easily be split into thin, flat sheets or flakes along a specific plane. Mica is the most well-known example of a flaky mineral.
How do I identify a 'flaky mineral' in crosswords?
Crossword constructors often use descriptive terms like 'flaky' to hint at minerals with distinct physical properties. When you see such a clue, think about common minerals known for that property. For 'flaky mineral', MICA is almost always the intended answer due to its unique cleavage.
Are there other minerals known for flakiness?
While mica is the primary example, other minerals like chlorite and talc can also exhibit flaky or platy habits, though they are less commonly clued simply as 'flaky mineral' in crosswords compared to mica.